Or, Yoga for Gimps as Renee Le Verrier puts in in her blog. Here’s how she describes herself:
A yoga instructor in my forties and parent of a third grader, mine is not the expected face of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This incurable, degenerative neurological disease is no longer one affecting only the aged…She ‘focuses on creating adaptations and modifications for individuals who find it challenging to move with ease. As a stroke survivor and a person living with Parkinson’s disease, I know that physical limitations can cause a sense of disconnection not only with our bodies but also within ourselves. For me, yoga gently smoothes the way and leads to greater fluidity and balance in my body as well as in my spirit.
In Boston, she writes, American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) includes members in their 50s, 60s and early 70s, with a he Younger Young Onset group is made up of people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Among these groups are individuals who lead dance programs, are qualified runners in the Boston Marathon, are avid cyclists who ride in 50- and 100-mile research fundraising events
Le Verrier runs class at Mass General on Mondays at noon: Each class begins with a period of coming to stillness before asana practice. Poses are demonstrated with chair support, beginning with seated warmups and moving into standing and mat postures. The class closes with an extended guided relaxation.
I am a certified yoga instructor who focuses on creating adaptations and modifications for individuals who find it challenging to move with ease. As a stroke survivor and a person living with Parkinson’s disease, I know that physical limitations can cause a sense of disconnection not only with our bodies but also within ourselves. For me, yoga gently smoothes the way and leads to greater fluidity and balance in my body as well as in my spirit. Through teaching, writing and presenting about yoga, I hope to share this path to strength and grace.
She runs class at Mass General on Monday at 10 am. She’ll also be part of this workshop on the North Shore in June:
The Parkinson’s Summer Arts & Movement Weekend (June 24 – 26, 2011) offers the first program of its kind in New England. Rather than dwelling on the losses experienced with this disease, this weekend of workshops in art, dance, music, photography, tai chi and yoga celebrates what we can do and skills we can gain. Professionals in each field, many of whom live with PD, facilitate the workshops throughout the weekend. (Detailed information is online on the APDA web site This nonprofit event is sponsored in part by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). The weekend is open to anyone affected by the disease, including individuals and family members or friends who may want to join in.
Boston Health News 